We know Smart Covers are coming for the iPad mini, but do we know if there will be Smart Cases as well? I'd like the back protection. Forgive me if this was mentioned in the keynote; I haven't had a chance to watch it yet.
I watched it. (Thanks Apple for adding it to the Apple TV lineup).
They showed a smart cover. Pretty much the same as the smart cover we've all seen but with a redesigned hinge. However I find the current one falls off too easily, and doesn't cover the back. (Hoping perhaps the newly designed hinge addresses that it falls off easily).
Like you, I'm looking for a folio-style (front & back coverage), opens like a book, and has smart-cover technology.
Day to day use "on the go" for a student, the back would get easily scratched without rear-side coverage.
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I just looked more carefully at
Apple's iPad accessories page and they mention both the iPad and the iPad mini in the Smart Cover section, but under Smart Cases it says "The iPad Smart Case covers your 9.7-inch iPad..." so it looks like a no to the mini having a Smart Case which is a real bummer.
Good point though hopefully they'll add it soon. If memory serves correct, the back cover for the iPad smart cover was released a bit later.